GREATER NOIDA: To check builders for violating laid down National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms and from creating dust pollution, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has formed three teams. Officials have been directed to inspect under-construction sites to make sure no building activity is taking place in the city. The move follows NGT directions following severe pollution conditions after which all construction activity was stopped till November 13.

Speaking to TOI, Deepak Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GNIDA said that strict action was on the cards for anyone flouting the rules. “Although, our officials have not found any builder to be flouting the NGT order, we have earlier collected Rs 22.50 lakh from builders who have been creating dust pollution at their sites and not undertaking the preventive measures defined by NGT,” Agarwal said. “The minimum fine for this offence is Rs 50,000. Our teams are carrying out the inspections, which will not end on November 13 but will be ongoing,” he added.

Agarwal further said that he has also ordered all manual sweeping to stop in the city besides implementing other green norms. “Notices are being issued to anybody violating NGT orders. On Friday we have issued a directive to all hospitals, institutions, industries and commercial organizations to follow NGT directions, failing which we will not only levy hefty penalties but stakeholders could also receive summons from the green court,” he warned.

Meanwhile, GNIDA is also undertaking water sprinkling across the city to curb dust pollution. “While two tankers are washing city roads, six tankers are washing the greenery in the city,” said Anand Mohan Singh, Director, Horticulture, GNIDA. “We are also cracking down on anyone dumping waste in non-designated places and all those who are indulging in burning garbage and adding to the smog. We have fined 32 institutions and residents for violating norms and collected over Rs 2 lakhs in the last one month,” he said.

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